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5261nefuFinding aid for Nelson Fuson Family Papers, 1909-1996Finding Aid Prepared by FHL staffFriends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.2007Text converted and initial EAD tagging provided by FHL Staff, 2007ENGFinding aid for Nelson Fuson Family Papers, 1909-1996FHL staffFriends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.2007
Descriptive Summary
Nelson Fuson Family Papers1909-1996RG5/261Nelson Fuson, 1913-2006 10 boxes ; 5 linear ft. (includes 9 boxes manuscript, 1 box pictures) Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081-1399 U.S.A.For current information on the location of materials, please consult
the Library's online catalog.Nelson Fuson was a physicist and educator, active in Quaker
concerns. The collection contains extensive correspondence and papers concerning his service
as a conscientious objector in Civilian Public Service during World War II. As the child of
missionaries to China, his hope was to do relief service in China, and many of the papers
deal with CPS China Units. However, the China Units were never activated and Fuson was
assigned to camps in Maryland, Indiana, New York, and North Dakota. He also attended a
seminar in international administration at Columbia University as part of a detached CPS unit, training intended to prepare military and
civilians for post-war occupation. In addition to the CPS material, Nelson, a long time
professor of physics at Fisk University, and his wife, Marian, were active in Quaker
concerns including participation in international student seminars sponsored by the AFSC.

Repository:

Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081-1399

Phone: (610) 328-8496 FAX: (610) 690-5728

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL NOTE

Nelson Fuson was a physicist and educator, active in Quaker concerns. He was born September
4, 1913, in Guang-zhou (Canton), China, the son of American Presbyterian missionaries; he
had two brothers, Ben and William. His parents, Chester and Phebe (Meeker) Fuson worked in
China from 1905-1949, and Nelson spent most of his first 15 years in China before returning
to the U.S. to complete his high school education in Emporia, Kansas. He graduated from the
College of Emporia in 1934 and earned an M.A. in physics and astronomy from Kansas
University in 1934. In 1938 he earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Michigan,
and from 1938-1941, he taught at Rutgers University, N.J.

In 1941 Fuson was drafted as conscientious objector. He wrote that his childhood
experiences influenced him to be a life-long pacifist. In 1941, he reported to CPS Unit #3,
Patapsco, Maryland, administered by the American Friends Service Committee, where he worked
with the Park Service. In February 1942 he was selected to report to Camp #6 in Lagro,
Indiana, to train for a China Unit for humanitarian relief in Canton, administered by Church
of the Brethren.

In August 1942 he was detached to Columbia University to participate in a joint
civilian/military seminar in International Administration, preparing for post-war occupation
and relief. In April 1943, he left Columbia to join the American Friends Service Committee
in Philadelphia, training a new China Unit, CPS #99. During this time, he lived at Pendle
Hill, the Quaker study center in Wallingford, Pa., and met his future wife, Marian Darnell.
That summer, approving the so-called Starnes Rider to an appropriations bill, Congress
refused to send conscientious objectors to participate in service work outside of the U.S.,
so the China Unit was effectively cancelled. In September 1943, Fuson was transferred to CPS
Camp #46, Big Flats, N.Y., where he worked on a conservation and nursery program. In late
March 1944, he was transferred to Camp #94, Trenton, N.D., involved in an agricultural
project.

In January 1945, he was again assigned to detached service, CPS #115, this time at the
University of Michigan to do physics research on infrared spectroscopy, under the
administration of the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD). He and Marian
Darnell, a birthright Quaker, were married at Moorestown Meeting, N.J., on June 23, 1945.
Marian Haines Darnell was the daughter of Howard C. Darnell and Helen Wills Darnell. She was
born on 5th month 19, 1920, in Moorestown, New Jersey. Nelson Fuson became a member of the
Society of Friends on Dec. 1, 1953. Nelson had long prepared to do relief service in China,
but by the end of the War, political and personal concerns had made that impractical.
Rather, he began his academic career, still committed to peace and humanitarian relief.

From 1946-1948, Nelson taught at Johns Hopkins University. He taught for one year at Howard
University and in 1949 joined the faculty of Fisk University, Tennessee, where he remained
until his retirement, serving as Chairman of the Physics Department and director of the
Infrared Spectroscopy research laboratory. During his tenure at Fisk, he took a long
sabbatical (1956-1959) to research and teach at the University of Bordeaux, France. He and
Marian had two sons, Allen and Dan. They were founding members of Nashville Monthly Meeting
and Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting and active in the AFSC International Seminar
program, Friends General Conference, and desegregation and peace activities.

In 1998, Nelson and Marian Fuson moved to Kendal-at Longwood, Kennett Square, Pa., a Quaker
retirement community. Nelson Fuson died February 5, 2006.

SCOPE AND CONTENT OF THE RECORDS

Nelson Fuson was a physicist and educator, active in Quaker concerns. The collection
contains extensive correspondence and papers concerning his service as a conscientious
objector in Civilian Public Service during World War II. As the child of missionaries to
China and having spent most of his childhood there, his hope was to do relief service in
China, and many of the papers deal with the CPS China Unit. However, the China Unit was
never activated due to restrictions placed on conscientious objectors performing foreign
service, and Fuson was assigned to camps in Maryland, Indiana, New York, and North Dakota.
He also attended training in international administration at Columbia University as part of
a detached CPS unit, training intended to prepare military and
civilians for post-war occupation. In addition to the CPS material, Nelson, a long time
professor of physics at Fisk University, and his wife, Marian, were active in Quaker
concerns including participation in International Student Seminars sponsored by the AFSC.
During their sabbatical leave in Bordeaux, France, they attended European yearly meetings
and traveled widely.

opyright has not been assigned to Friends Historical Library. All requests for permission
to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in to the Director. Permission for
publication is given on behalf Friends Historical Library as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which
must also be obtained by reader.

Photographs stored in PA 139: Includes album of photographs of the Indian Mountain School
Seminar, 1947, and the San Cristobal Seminar, 1948. Also snapshots of CPS camps at Lagro,
Big Flats, and Trenton.

(5) original etchings and pen/ink works by Eberhard Tacke (1903-1989)
are stored in oversized Art.

Civilian Public Service files in Swarthmore College Peace Collection

American Friends Service Committee Archives

Chester and Phebe Fuson Papers, Yale University Library

Processing information

The papers were received from Nelson Fuson’s widow in three cartons. Some of the
correspondence was bundled separately in a single box; these letters (mostly
correspondence with Marian Darnell Fuson, correspondence received by Nelson, and some
correspondence to folks) were individually described; this
inventory provides a sense of the depth of the content of the correspondence in the
collection. The bulk of Nelson’s early CPS correspondence (sent to family) and the Tacke
correspondence were foldered separately in the boxes containing topical papers. This
correspondence was interfiled with the first group. In some cases, there are second copies
of Nelson’s letters which were circulated as carbon copies among family members. The
Civilian Public Service material was retained as a separate series and other projects and
interests filed chronologically by topic.

SELECTED SEARCH TERMS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE RECORDS

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Friends
Historical Library (TRIPOD). Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons,
or places should search the catalog using these headings:

Note to Researchers: To request materials, please note both the location and box numbers
shown below:

Ser. 1 Correspondence sent

During his CO service, Nelson Fusion wrote typed letters to family which were
circulated as round robins and at intervals sent
mimeographed updates to a wider circle; these updates are particularly valuable
because they provide summaries of his activities and commentary on his service and
other concerns. After Nelson and Marian were married, the typed letters also went to
Marian’s parents in Moorestown, NJ. The bulk of the letters from France, 1957-1959,
were saved by Marian’s mother, and this group includes notes from the
grandchildren.

Nelson to Marian Darnell1943-19441 folder1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian2 mo 17 1943

Short note.

Nelson to Marian12 mo 26 1944

Follow-up letter to meeting Marian’s family, hopes to see her again soon

Nelson to Marian1945 1 mo-2mo 151 folder1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian1 mo 4 1945

Quick letter written on train, attached: letter from Nelson to Marian making last
minute dinner arrangements for her arrival

Nelson to Marian1 mo 16 1945

Quick note expressing sadness on leaving Trenton and all the friends he’ll miss

Nelson to Marian1 mo 20 1945

Quick note about picking up a CPS friend who was recently at conference on
Dumbarton Oaks, attached: 1 mo 20 letter from Nelson to Folks about trip to Baltimore with Jeannette Chen to see friends, trip to
Philadelphia and meeting with Marian, CPS Committee meeting, research and living
situation in Ann Arbor in house of Bill and Miriam Murrill

Nelson to Marian1 mo 24 1945

Describes part of work in lab, thoughts on relationship with Marian, second page of
letter is written on back of map showing how the C.O’s have
infiltrated the army.

Nelson to Marian1 mo 25 1945

Get-well letter with magazine-cut-out illustrations

Nelson to Marian1 mo 28 1945

Thoughts about and quotation from book The Fountain by Charles Morgan (Knopf
1932)

Nelson to Marian2 mo 1 1945

Questions and advice about Marian’s thyroid problem and her consultation of a
chiropractor, arrangements for upcoming visit, attached: picture of snoozing Mexican
with humorous note on back from Nelson to Marian, small 1 mo 1945 calendar with
religious quotations

Nelson to Marian2 mo 9 1945

Short note, attached: Christmas card to Nelson from Manuel, the Portuguese caretaker of Sky
Island.

Nelson to Marian2 mo 12 1945

Valentine’s Day letter with magazine-cut-out illustrations

Nelson to Marian2 mo 15 1945

Thoughts on dating and relationships, some description of lab work

Nelson to Marian1945 2 mo, 16-3mo1 folder1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian2 mo 20 1945

Writing in anticipation of upcoming visit, includes humorous drawing and
description on back of cough protection machine Nelson
made for Paul Murrill

Nelson to Marian2 mo 23 1945

Writing in anticipation of upcoming visit

Nelson to Marian2 mo 27 1945

Postcard indicating Fuson had caught train on time because train was late

Nelson to Marian2 mo 27 1945

Postcard saying Fuson has arrived back in Ann Arbor

Nelson to Marian3 mo 1 1945

Postcard about first couple days back in Ann Arbor after visit

Nelson to Marian3 mo 6 1945

Discussing possible next visit, includes humorous drawing of scissors

Nelson to Marian3 mo 8 1945

Includes drawings and explanations of Chinese characters, attached: page from
magazine with article on packing

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian4 mo 2 1945

Thoughts on commercialization of holidays (Easter), writes about a recent Friends
meeting where he, Ester Dunham, and a German refugee
all spoke, first page of letter is in a creative format with picture of dragon in
the center

Nelson to Marian4 mo 4 1945

Thoughts on meaning of God, feelings on hardships of
other couples

Nelson to Marian4 mo 6 1945

Thoughts on book by Antoine de St. Extupery, arrangements for Fuson’s trip to see
Marian, attached: 3 mo 26 letter from Jim [Malloy?] discussing conditions at
Cheltenham school for delinquents and race relations in CPS, mentions work of lawyer
Pauli Murray

Nelson to Marian4 mo 9 1945

General update with some mention of AFSC, also brief mentions of W.O. Mendehall and
Horace Alexander

Nelson to Marian4 mo 12 1945

Mentions seeing the show with Miriam Murrill,
anticipates arrival in Philadelphia on Saturday

Nelson to Marian4 mo 13 1945

Telegram about upcoming arrival in Philadelphia, attached: receipt

Nelson to Marian4 mo 17 1945

Thoughts on the pain of separation, discussion of sex

Nelson to Marian4 mo 18 1945

Discussing arrangements for wedding

Nelson to Marian4 mo 19 1945

Short note written at bottom of 4 mo 17 letter from Chester G. Fuson to Marian and
Nelson discussing family news, move to Pueblo

Nelson to Marian4 mo 20 1945

Discussion of Fuson’s attitude toward and fears about sex

Nelson to Marian4 mo 20 1945

List of people to whom Nelson has written about engagement, attached: 4 mo 12
letter from Chester G. Fuson to Family mentions job
offer in Pueblo, CO, and discusses daily activities

Nelson to Marian1945 4 mo, 21-301 folder1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian4 mo 22 1945

Reunion plans for Marian and Nelson, attached: 4 mo 22 letter from Nelson to Folks which includes short biography of Marian

Nelson to Marian4 mo 22 1945

Explanation of first part of letter from Ben

Nelson to Marian4 mo 24 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian4 mo 24 1945

Brief plans for insurance, advice about present for young relative Paul Murrill
(son of Bill and Miriam Murrill)

Nelson to Marian4 mo 25 1945

Short note about engagement rings written on inside of envelope

Nelson to Marian4 mo 26 1945

Discusses plans for wedding and setting up housekeeping

Nelson to Marian4 mo 28 1945

Comments on book WWC’sQTfMF about Quaker history,
reactions to Marian’s dinner with Sam Marble, thoughts on Fuson’s role in CPS camps,
attached: 4 mo 29 letter from Nelson to Folks detailing
Nelson’s social activities

Nelson to Marian1945 5 mo, 1-131 folder1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian5 mo 1 1945

Thanking Marian for sending ties

Nelson to Marian5 mo 2 1945

Discussion of sexual intercourse before marriage, writes about long conversation
with Virginia Davis, attached: recipe book from Maltex cereal company

Thoughts on death of Dr. F. (father of Helen),
attached: 5 mo 6 letter from Helen to People about
death of her father; 5 mo 2 note from Bill Fuson to Nelson; stamps that indicate
date of letter and have fallen off envelope

Nelson to Marian5 mo 10 1945

Discusses apartment hunt and Marian’s possible job with Frank Littel

Nelson to MarianAround 5 mo 12 1945

Letter to Marian forwarding letters to Nelson from his mother and father (Chester
G. Fuson) Mother writes about wedding arrangements and possible trip to China,
father writes discouraging trip to China during Marian and Nelson’s upcoming first
year of marriage, mentions F.A.U. matters, thoughts on how war disrupts marriages,
mother and father won’t be able to attend wedding

Nelson to Marian5 mo 13 1945

Includes list of names to which more wedding invitations should be mailed,
attached: copy of 5 mo 13 letter from Nelson to Folks

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian5 mo 24 1945

Mentions elevator accident of a friend and possible job about which Marian is
writing to Frank Littell, attached: 5 mo 22 letter from Bill to Folks; 5 mo 19 letter from Bill to Nelson about Chinese matters and sexual advice; 5
mo 19 letter from Chester G. Fuson to Family about
getting acquainted in Pueblo, CO, with hand-written note to Nelson; copy of 5 mo 26
letter from Marian Darnell to Frank Littel applying for job, includes Marian’s
resume; 5 mo 20 letter from Mary to Nelson with a short
hand-written note from Nelson to Marian; 5 mo 19 letter from Sam [Marble?] to Nelson; 5 mo 20 letter from Helen to Dear Ones All; 5 mo 18 postcard from M. Kampelman to
Nelson

Nelson to Marian5 mo 25 1945

General letter with some self-analysis by Nelson and a poem of unknown author,
attached: letter from Elizabeth Bodine; pamphlet of the Music Program at the Student
Religious Association at UMichigan, Spring 1945; 4 photos of friends of Nelson from
his CPS China Unit

Nelson to Marian5 mo 27 1945

Talks about his (Nelson’s) health, working schedule, and leisure activities,
attached: 5 mo 27 letter from Nelson to Folks; 5 mo 21
postcard to Nelson from Aunt Ree [Rebecca]; 5 mo 20
letter to Nelson from Aunt Phebe Wells offering congratulations on marriage and
hopes that Nelson will some day go to China; 5 mo 20 letter to Nelson from Wendell
T. Kershner expressing sorrow that Nelson is no longer on the China committee of the
FAU; clipping from 3 mo 31 Liberty about Conscientious Objectors; picture of Max and Nelson

Nelson to Marian5 mo 30 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian5 mo 31 1945

Discusses contraception, attached: 5 mo 25 letter to Nelson from S. Catherine Rue
[Aunt Sadie] mentioning her gift shop and the
ambiguous statement I suppose you have not yet had time to
tell her about your doubtful family connections, and a card signed Aunt Addie and
Aunt Sadie would seem like rushing matters somewhat

Nelson to Marian5 mo 31 1945

Discusses social outings, attached: 5 mo 27 letter from Helen to People mentioning discharge of
C.O.’s, possible future meetings with Nelson and Marian, and honeymoon
recommendations; 5 mo 28 letter to Nelson from Mother with recommendations for early
married life and comments about C.O.’s

Nelson to Marian5 mo 31 1945

Notes about apartment, attached: 2 mo 23 letter from Capt. Marion Burkwell to Family discussing conditions in Philippines; humorous
cutout by Nelson of himself and Marian at the
wedding

Nelson to Marian1945 6 mo, 1-111 folder2

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian6 mo 3 1945

Short note about apparel size

Nelson to Marian6 mo 3 1945

Comments on movie The Song of Bernadette, mentions FOR activities, attached: Tuesday letter from Miriam to
Nelson; Mary 31 letter to Nelson from J. Edgar Rhoads offering congratulations on
wedding and briefly talking about work in India and China; 5 mo 31 postcard to
Nelson from [Ben?] RSVPing to wedding?

Mentions university concert, attached: 6 mo 4 letter from Esther Dunham to Marian
(via Nelson) about joining the Young Friends of Ann Arbor and possibly setting up an
interfaith church and a Quaker Student Center in Ann Arbor, includes 6 mo 6 comments
from Nelson; 6 mo 3 letter from Helen to Folks; 6 mo 3
letter from Chester G. Fuson to Dear Ones in the East
discussing new home in Pueblo, General Assembly meeting with details cataloging of
accomplishments, hand-written note on back from Mother; 6 mo 1 letter to Marian from
Edward Evans of the AFSC nominating her as a member-at-large of the Service
Committee Corporation; program for 6 mo 6 UMichigan student recital

Nelson to Marian6 mo 6 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian6 mo 8 1945

AFSC and CPS matters, sympathy to Marian for having to write so many wedding
invitations

Nelson to Marian6 mo 8 1945

Discussing possible trip to China with CPS, includes annotated copy of Friends Here and There newsletter of 4 mo 1945

Nelson to Marian6 mo 10 1945

Writing from Ann Arbor, discusses search for apartment for him and Marian,
attached: small aluminum trinket

Nelson to Marian6 mo 10 1945

Notifying Marian of decision not to go to China with CPS, attached: letter to
parents of same day summarizing activities of week

Nelson to Marian6 mo 11 1945

Mentions letter from parents that included thoughts on contraceptive use, discusses
visit with Leonard Ashby and research on his syphilis, enclosed: copy of wedding
invitation

Nelson to Marian1945 6 mo, 12-31 1 folder2

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian6 mo 12 1945

Mentions death of Leonard Ashby, search for apartment

Nelson to Marian6 mo 13 1945

Enclosures: letter from Dave Salstrom congratulating Nelson on wedding; wedding
invitation from Carmen Torres and Gladden Boaz; 6 mo 10 letter from Helen discussing
daily life with baby; letter from Helen Fuson using contraception methods with
similar letter from Bill Fuson on reverse postcard from Bob and Vic inviting Nelson
to folkdance event

Nelson to Marian6 mo 14 1945

Letter about apartment hunt with enclosures: list from local paper of apartments
with notes; postcard from Betty Fry RSVPing to wedding; 6 mo 7 letter to Nelson from
mother about wedding; letter from Virginia Davis expressing best wishes for wedding;
6 mo 11 letter from Adrian Gory about CPS service; reply from Nelson Fuson to Adrian
Gory about not accepting CPS service

Nelson to Marian6 mo 16 1945

Discusses insurance policies, attached: letter from Nelson’s father mentioning
Business Women’s Club dinner where he (father) spoke about United China Relief

Nelson to Marian6 mo 16 1945

Notifying Marian that he’s going to be home later than expected because of extra
work in the lab – clearing up some CPS business, attached: short note about
arrival

A love letter with a paragraph about boarding expenses, attached: copy of 6 mo 18
letter from Nelson to parents mentioning book Freedom Road; 2-card note of 6 mo 16
to Nelson from Mother

Nelson to Marian1946 and n.d. 1 folder2

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian1 mo 30 1946

Writing from Baltimore, attached: Jan 28 letter from Nelson’s father that mentions
speaking on behalf of W.SS.F. at Young Methodists meeting, labor relations, and
atomic bomb

Nelson to Marian3 mo 6 1946

Postcard from Ann Arbor

Nelson to Marian3 mo 7 1946

Writing from conference in Cleveland, thoughts on money, includes café menu with
joke

Nelson to Marian3 mo 10-13 1946

Writing from Infrared Conference at Ohio State U., meeting with 4E and FOR members,
visit to Perkins Observatory, possible meeting with Helen Winnemore at FOR
picnic

Nelson to Marian6 mo 11-12 1946

Writes about social events at home, request for the Fusons to speak at Girl
Reserves Conference on Democracy in Action, visit to
Osteopath, contains copy of letter from Marian to family that talks about a retreat
the Fusons had gone to the week before, visit to AFSC sewing group

Nelson to Mariann.d.

Poem To George by P. Ruth Dunham with illustrations
and short note about Ruth

Nelson to Folks, some with additional
handwritten note to brother Bill1938-19391 folder2

Daily life and activities at Rutgers University where teaching physics

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee6 mo 18 1939

Writes about recent operation

Nelson to folks8 mo 22 1938?

Mentions preparations for trip to California, daily life at Ann Arbor, application
for job at Rutgers

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee9 mo 13 1938

Short letter mentions Nelson’s arrival in Ann Arbor

Nelson to folks1 mo 15 1939

Discusses microbiology lecture and book Inside Asia by Gunther

Nelson to folks6 mo 4 1939

Fragment: Description of people met on train from New Brunswick, NJ, to Ann Arbor
to take exam

Nelson to Chester, Phebe, Ben, and Daisy Lee6 mo 8 1939

Discusses travels to Chicago then back to Emporia Kansas, upcoming operation

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee7 mo 2 1939

Short letter

Nelson to Berea etc. and Linhsien7 mo 10 1939

Writes about recent visit with Fran

Nelson to Folks7 mo 25 1939

Description of recent operation and recuperation

Nelson to Daisy Lee1939

Postcard about upcoming travels

Nelson to Folks, some with additional
handwritten note to brother Bill 19401 folder2

Daily life and activities at Rutgers; attends his first Quaker meeting in May and
also the War Resisters Conference at Northfield camp, N.Y. Many colleges, including
Swarthmore, had gone on record supporting the Allies, but he was hoping that Rutgers
would remain neutral. NJ State Relief Director gave an order to refuse relief to
single persons eligible to enlist in the military. Worked at a Summer Refugee Hostel
sponsored by the AFSC on Sky Island, NY, for the summer and attended conference at
Pendle Hill in Sept. on pacifism.

Nelson to folks1 mo 7 1940

Description of travels including particularly interesting train ride

Nelson to folks1 mo 21 1940

New of various friends, discussion of government actions, daily life and work at
Rutgers

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee1 mo 22 1940

Postcard reply to recent letter

Nelson to Ben1 mo 23 1940

Postcard about photographs

Nelson to folks1 mo 29 1940

Daily life and social activities in Rutgers

Nelson to folks2 mo 4 1940

Discussion of teaching schedule, meeting with Goedicke’s in Newark to see American
Ballet Theater, discussion of The Male Animal by James Thurber

Nelson to folks2 mo 13 1940

General update

Nelson to folks2 mo 18 1940

General account of daily life and social activities at Rutgers

Nelson to folks2 mo 25 1940

General update with description meeting of American Physical Society in New
York

Nelson to folks3 mo 4 1940

General family news, describes of educational films show on campus, visits with
Jack and Mabel Jackson, Franklin and Fred Fender, and Elaine Hess, showing of Little Old New York, William Pauck lecture on The Place of Religion in Human Experience

Nelson to Folks US and China3 mo 9 1940

General update with mention of Herbert Hoover speech, Clothier speech, book The Trojan Horse by Christopher Morley, movies Intermezzo and Of Mice and
Men, some jokes, with hand-written annotation to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson

Nelson to folks4 mo 14 1940

Discussion of war in Europe, preparation for physics talk, concert at Carnegie
Hall

Nelson to Folksall4 mo 22 1940

General family news

Nelson to folks4 mo 30 1940

General family news

Nelson to folks5 mo 7 1940

Description of astronomical happenings, description of and reflection on first
Quaker meeting author has ever attended

Nelson to folks5 mo 13 1940

General update

Nelson to folks5 mo 20 1940

Description of War Resisters League conference

Nelson to folks6 mo 9 1940

Summer plan to work at Sky Island in Nyack, NY, discussion of short of war sentiments issued by several colleges including Swarthmore,
mention of work related to refugees, critique of New Jersey act forcing single men
in relief families to enter military

Nelson to folks6 mo 23 1940

Description of life, work, and people at Sky Island

Nelson to folks6 mo 30 1940

Passes on information about various family members and also news about
Congressional actions from ACLU, daily life at Rutgers, mention of speech by Chinese
minister Dr. Samuel Lee

Description of life, work, and people at Sky Island, activities in protest of
Burke-Wadsworth Bill which Fuson calls a universal conscription act, brief
discussion of Christian principles in face of struggle

Daily life at Sky Island, mostly teaching foreigners English grammar and American
customs

Nelson to folks7 mo 29 1940

Life and work at Sky Island, description of the character and hardships of the
people there, particular mention of one German Jewish couple who are to be deported
back to Germany soon if nothing gets done, which mean certain
death for them

Nelson to Folks, some with additional
handwritten note to brother Bill19411 folder2

Busy early in the year preparing for CO application, refugees; peace teams,
Food-for-Europe; Jesse Holmes spoke at Meeting in March; in July went to Friends work
camp in coalfields of Pursglove, W. Va. only to get notice to report to CO camp in
Patapsco, Md., administered by the AFSC, working in park there.

Nelson to folks1 mo 27 1941

Description of daily activities, new project to provide food aid, mention of book
War Without Violence by Shridherani

Nelson to Folks, some with additional
handwritten note to brother Bill 19421 folder2

In February, Nelson was selected as a member of a CPS unit for relief work in Canton,
China, so was transferred to CPS Camp, Lagro, Indiana. Advises brother Bill (married
to Helen) about CPS service, comments on CPS camps. Expresses strong disapproval for
internment of Japanese-Americans, hope that War would be over by end of year. In
August he was transferred to Columbia University where a group of selected COs began
training in International Administration, to prepare for post-war.

Nelson to Friends2 mo 5 1942

Thorough description of life and work in Patapsco Camp, current stint at Lagro Camp
in preparation for reconstruction work in China, thoughts on Pacifism particularly
in face of recently declared war

Nelson to folks2 mo 7 1942

Mentions Clarence Pickett visit to Nelson’s CPS group, visit with Betty Fry to
apartment of immigrant Bedrich Syrovy and family, discusses some of Syrovy’s
immigration struggles, mentions book The Coming Generation in Europe by James Wood
Johnson about starving people in Europe, on back is fragment of letter from John
Meeker with some information about Emporia, KS

Nelson to Ben [Meeker?]2 mo 12 1942

Fragment: quotes Paul Comly French on War Manpower Board and asks Ben how this
applies to his situation, followed by fragment of letter to Bill [Fuson?] with
comments on CPS camps and their relation to AFSC

Nelson to Ben3 mo 23 1942

Postcard saying that will be working with China Unit in tornado devastated town in
North Indiana

Nelson to folks4 mo 26 1942

Describes work at Camp Lagro, month-long trip to Goshen, Indiana, and preparations
for work in China

Nelson to folks5 mo 19 1942

Discussion of CPS and Brethren activities, visit by Frank Olmstead of War Resisters
League, CPS work in Puerto Rico, speculation on course of War

Nelson to folks6 mo 14 1942

Discusses reunions with friends and family members, activities in and around Camp
Lagro

Nelson to folks7 mo 22 1942

Description of work and life in Lagro Camp, mention of speech about race, FOR
conference

Nelson to folks8 mo 1 1942

Mentions New Brunswick Co-op, AFSC service seminar

Nelson to folks9 mo 5 1942

General update, discussion of living arrangements, evening
session speeches by former governor of Guam, former economic advisor to
Philippine Commission Evart Hester, and diplomat George Sansom, mention of
schoolwork

Nelson to folks10 mo 2 1942

Fragment: Discusses International Administration courses at Columbia and social
gatherings with various people

Nelson to folks10 mo 2 1942

Mentions attendance at meeting of Brethren Service Committee, mentions of several
people connected with CPS, Sky Island, and other groups in NYC

Nelson to City Clerk of Highland Park, NJ10 mo 19 1942

Request for absentee ballot with reply from city clerk written in pencil saying
that absentee voting is not permitted except for soldiers

Nelson to folks11 mo 15 1942

Mention of meetings with AFSC relief workers, Chinese Sociology History class and
other classes, lecture on international drug trafficking, Halloween party thrown by
International House, meetings with other CPS members, supper at American People’s
School

Nelson to Folks, some with additional
handwritten note to brother Bill19431 folder2

General letter of April recaps his work at Columbia, found the seminar on Relief
Administration most interesting. Early April he left the Columbia program to work with
AFSC in Philadelphia preparing a new China Unit, was living at Pendle Hill. Bill Fuson
joined a CPS unit at Big Flats. On June 30th, Congress cancelled education of COs in
colleges and sending them outside of the U.S. for service work. In September he was
transferred to the CPS camp at Big Flats, NY, working on a soil conservation and
nursery program. Included his comments on the CPS in general and specific topics such
as racism in CPS camps.

Nelson to folks1 mo 14 1943

Activities of 2nd CPS China Unit at Pendle Hill

Nelson to folks3 mo 21 1943

Fragment (or possibly just unsigned): Description of International Administration
course at Columbia U., meetings with 5 moor LaGuardia, Dan West, Howard Elkinton,
Norman Thomas, Sam and Natalie Fleishman (Executive Secretary of Socialist Party and
his wife), representatives of CU*TIIA, other AFSC and some FOR activities, visit to
Chinese Presbyterian church, meeting with Donald Howard at Russell Sage Foundation,
plans to drop out of Columbia program to work with AFSC in Philadelphia

Nelson to Friends4 mo 20 1943

Description and outline of Relief Administration Course at Columbia U.
International Administration Training program, work with AFSC China relief program
after dropping out of Columbia program, tentative plans for work in China, mentions
that he is living with John Judkyn

Nelson to folks5 mo 29 1943

Discussion of several business matters related to Second CPS China Unit

Appears that many copies of
letter were sent to various people, affiliates of AFSC. Discussion (and lengthy quoting) of Congressional Army Appropriation Bill with
portion that will cancel Foreign Service projects and college
training projects for IV-E conscientious objectors, China Unit’s
deliberation with NSBRO, further discussion of first, second, and third China Units,
includes survey entitled China Training Unit Data for
recipients to fill out and send back to AFSC

Nelson to Friend7 mo 16 1943

Quotations from letters of men in First China Unit

Nelson to Friends12 mo [?] 1943

Description of pacifist and conscientious objector activities during period of
total war, describes CPS and its activities in the past year including some
trouble with government, details his experience with CPS, discusses China Unit,
describes Pendle Hill school, reflections on value of CPS, racial matters in CPS
camps, status of conscientious objectors in prison

Nelson to Folks, some with additional
handwritten note to brother Bill19441 folder2

In late March, Nelson transferred to CPS Camp #94 in Trenton, N.D., where the project
was building an irrigation and co-operative organization. Nelson’s parents returned to
Emporia, KS, from their mission in China. Expresses his disapproval of the proposed
Universal Peacetime Military Conscription Act.

Nelson to [Family?]4 mo 10 1944

Very thorough description of CPS camp in Trenton, North Dakota

Nelson to Folksall9 mo 16 1944

General family update, description of life and work at CPS camp in Trenton, North
Dakota

Nelson to folks10 mo 1 1944

General family news, update from CPS camp in Trenton, ND, including description of
psychological examination practices

Nelson Fuson and then Nelson and Marian after April 19451945 1mo-6mo1 folder2

Nelson transfers to University of Michigan in January to do physics research with
infra-red spectroscopy. In April, he proposed to Marian Haines Darnell. They had met
in Philadelphia when he was part of the China Unit and started dating in Dec. 1944.
Marian sends the Fuson family a letter with details of a marriage service under the
care of Friends. They were married June 23 at Moorestown Meeting, N.J.

Nelson to folks2 mo 4 1945

First part of letter discusses recent move to Ann Arbor, work in lab, and
recreation, including movie The Keys to the Kingdom and
Nelson’s thoughts on its authenticity, second part of letter is to Marian alone and
discusses their relationship and his other romantic prospects (Betty Dickson) and
recent break with Frances Schiff, requests Marian’s help in motivating other women
for public service

Nelson to Friends2 mo 5 1945

Thorough update on Fuson’s life, including work at Ann Arbor and reflections on
CPS

Nelson to folks3 mo 4 1945

General descriptions of work and social activities, mentions Adam Spees, Chuck
Brashares, and Connie Tabor; attached: letter from Nelson to Marian mentioning
family members and friends

Nelson to folks5 mo 20 1945

General update in preparation for wedding to Marian, some thoughts of first year of
marriage

Nelson to J. Edgar Rhoads6 mo 5 1945

Mentions hope for future service in “the far east”

Marian Fusion to Helen Fuson1945 7mo 131 folder2

Personal letter asking for newlywed advice

Nelson and Marian to family1945 7mo-12 mo1 folder3

After their honeymoon, Nelson and Marian settle in Ann Arbor. In August, the U.S.
dropped the nuclear bomb, and Nelson’s letter reflects his sentiments about its
destructiveness. Nelson still longs to serve in China since he’d trained so long, but
political and personal concerns intervened. Nelson applies for an academic position,
they are involved with collecting for European relief.

Phebe Fuson and Nelson and Marian to Families7 mo 4 1945

Written by Phebe Fuson on behalf of Nelson and Marian, description of San Cristobal
Valley School in San Cristobal, NM, description of local museums and also local
Native Americans, mentions upcoming conference with speaker Nevitt Sanford, upcoming
trips through the Southwest

Nelson and Marian to folks8 mo 11 1945

Mentions Marian’s 38-pound weight loss in last month, dinner with Dr. Chester Clark
of the cryogeny lab staff, brief conversations with two Chinese girls who are
working at Work Camp at Friends Meeting House, car repairs

Nelson and Marian to Ones and Alls11 mo 5 1945

(First page is written in reverse, readable photo copy is attached) Thoughts on
lack of knowledge about CPS in among current Friends, description of Wagner wedding,
meeting with Dr. Walter Loudermilk, meeting with Owen and Eleanor Lattimore

Nelson and Marian to folks12 mo 4 1945

Discussion of Marian’s malfunctioning pregnancy and impending miscarriage, general
update on work and family

Nelson and Marian to Miscellaneous
Conglomeration12 mo 22 1945

Description of Christmas activities, work on final
report, visit with Dorothea Leonard, daily help to Mabel Mullet during her
pregnancy, supper with Bob and Gloria Dangl, discussion of several possible upcoming
work plans, includes handwritten note from Marian to Mom

Nelson and Marian to family1946 1mo-6mo1 folder3

In January 1946, Nelson took a position with Johns Hopkins University. Marian
suffered her first miscarriage in January.

Fragment: thoughts on ABC radio program Breakfast In
Hollywood, general update

Nelson to Marian and the Folks3 mo 7 1946

Writing from Cleveland

Nelson and Marian to folks3 mo 17 1946

Mentions Nelson’s trip to Ann Arbor to visit physics and chemistry labs and then to
Cleveland to attend Optical Society of America meetings, activities of Marian and
Mom and Pop while Nelson was away, visit from
Jeanette Chen, attendance at upcoming yearly meeting sessions, arrangements for
visiting Marian’s parents

Nelson and Marian to folks3 mo 26 1946

Description of recent activities including trip to NY to meet with Dr. Don Andrews,
Warren [Desorbo?], and Bob [Oeajen?] to discuss physics and visit physics labs,
attendance of AFSC meeting and Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, attendance at annual
William Penn lecture given by Gilbert Kilpack

Nelson and Marian to Folksies3 mo 30 1946

Mentions of Dr. Hachiro Yuasa’s speech at Friends meeting on Christianity in Japan
and Japan’s defeat in WWII, mentions dinner with Betty Draper

Nelson and Marian to folks4 mo 14 1946

Discusses attendance at House Military Affairs Committee meetings on peacetime
conscription, attendance at Muller wedding, Chinese meal with 4 Wegners and 4 Fusons, general family news

Nelson and Marian to Folksies All5 mo 1 1946

Discusses attendance at FOR meeting including discussion of atomic bomb, mention of
Muriel Lester’s world tour, French pacifist Phillippe Vernier’s presence at first
International FOR conference on war, interest in and discussion with others about
small colleges (probably whether Nelson should work at one), Marian’s bird-watching
hobby

Nelson and Marian to Families5 mo 6 1946

Marian writes while Nelson is in Cleveland, describes time spent with Nelson’s
mother, discusses recent report on post-war Germany, includes hand-written note from
Marian to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson

Nelson and Marian to folks5 mo 6 1946

Fragment: Discusses trip to Philadelphia, meetings with some AFSC friends,
attendance at Young Friends Fellowship and AFSC meetings, description of AFSC
meeting, facts and reflections on post-war in Europe Asia

Nelson and Marian to folks5 mo 12 1946

Mentions radio programs advising listeners to eat less of certain products so they
can be saved for the foreign relief, description of work with food delivery program,
meeting with interracial recreation group at Friends Meeting House

Nelson and Marian to folks5 mo 21 1946

Mentions various activities with Friends Meeting including preparation for
socialist meeting, various social activities, attendance at Monthly Business Meeting
at Friends Meeting House including discussion of liquor
problem, mentions Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson’s move to Lynchburg, VA, because
of Ben’s job at Lynchburg College, handwritten note from Marian thanking you two for pound of butter

Nelson and Marian to family1946 6mo-12mo1 folder3

Marian suffers a second miscarriage at the end of the year

Marian to [Family]6 mo 11 1946

Writes while Nelson is in Columbus, Ohio, mentions various activities with Friends
Meeting and AFSC, includes note to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson asking for butter for
local family

Nelson and Marian to folks6 mo 11 1946

Describes vacation to Seaside, NJ, discussion of recreation program and AFSC work
camp at local Friends Meeting House, discussion of political events including bill
regarding CPS camps, atomic bomb, events related to China

Nelson and Marian to folks7 mo 21 1946

Mentions of appointments of Gilbert White and Dr. Reed at Haverford College

Update to travel plans outlined in 7 mo 28 letter, comments on racial atmosphere at
Earlham College, mention of activities at Friends Meeting House including Work Camp,
mention of Marian’s aversion to food during her pregnancy

Nelson and Marian to Everyone10 mo 2 1946

Discussion of moving into new apartment in Baltimore, includes sketch of new
apartment

Nelson and Marian to folks10 mo 14 1946

Brief mention of interracial democracy at local (town where Warren lives) school, Marian’s new job as secretary at Foreign Policy
Association, dinners with Faith and Kit Carson and Mary and Bob Milton, also dinner
and religious discussion with Kilpacks, brief mention of shipping strike and its
effect on AFSC, lunch with Allen Lonshore

Nelson and Marian to Fathers and Mothers, Brothers
and Sisters, Uncles and Aunts10 mo 25 1946

Description of dance attended and its interesting racial composition, mention of
talk Nelson gave at Friends Meeting House about China, mention of book The Friendly
Persuasion, includes handwritten note from Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson

Nelson and Marian to Everybody11 mo 17 1946

Discussion of maternity care costs and different books available, general family
news, meeting with Scott Nearing and discussion of his lectures on post-war
condition, in this case Spain

Nelson and Marian to folks11 mo 25 1946

Attendance and assistance at tea for Chinese Students Club of Baltimore, general
family update, news of Marian’s impending miscarriage, Marian’s work at Foreign
Policy Association, discussion of Scott Nearing’s thesis about socialism vs.
capitalism in the post-war order

Nelson and Marian to Folksall12 mo 12 1946

News of Marian's miscarriage

Nelson and Marian to folks12 mo 17 1946

Reflection on children, child-birth, and mothers after Marian’s recent miscarriage,
mentions Kirby Page’s Now is the Time to Prevent the Third
World War as inspiration for family members’ pacifism, includes
hand-written note to Ben

Nelson and Marian to Families12 mo 30 1946

Description of Christmas spent with Kilpacks, description of Faculty-Graduate
Student Christmas party including parody show, production of Hansel and Gretel opera to raise money for orphans in Europe, Marian’s
tooth problems, dinner with Dahls (their father was Theo Dahl, German artist),
dinner with Talbots and Hambergers with discussion of pacifism, attendance at FOR
meeting with speaker Derick Sivins

Comparison of Friends Meetings to United Nations with implication of enemies really
being friends, discussion of Germany, mentions Nelson’s book, conference in
Washington DC held by Committee on National Legislation, AFSC, and Public Liaison
Office of the State Dept., some tongue-in-cheek mention of Communists

Nelson and Marian to folks2 mo 2 1947

Description of Marian’s attendance at conference in Washington DC with AFSC Peace
Section including mentions of CIO and meetings with several government offices,
discussion of Nelson’s book (written with Dr. Randall, Dick Fowler, and Bob Dangle)
on infrared technology, thoughts on immigration and refugees, activities at Friends
Meeting House, Quaker History classes given by Gilbert Kilpack, involvement in case
of 5 imprisoned CO’s

Nelson and Marian to folks2 mo 14 1947

Fragment (possible addition to n.d. letter above?): Mentions case of 5 CO’s and
work down at Friends Meeting House, new motorbike Whizzer, general family news

Nelson and Marian to Y'all2 mo 24 1947

Discusses Marian’s lectures on Friends to Methodist and Lutheran women’s groups,
comments on private Quaker schools, Nelson’s attendance at FOR meeting, dinner with
Chinese friend and discussion of recent troubles had by AFSC China units

Nelson and Marian to folks3 mo 9 1947

General family news, recommendation of 1937 book Bread and Wine by Ignazio Silone,
difficulties among group of CO’s that Marian and Nelson are trying to help

Nelson and Marian to folks3 mo 23 1947

General family news, some discussion of income tax and Marian and Nelson’s budget,
situation of 5 CO’s, mentions meeting with journalist Edgar Jones (FOR member)

Nelson and Marian to Friends4 mo ? 1947

Yearly update letter, details Nelson’s research on infrared technology, living
situation, involvement with Friends Meeting House, racial makeup of community and
children’s activities at the Friends Meeting House trying to reflect that, general
family news and future plans, quote from Ignazio Silone book as jumping off point
for discussion of peacetime conscription, food delivery programs, refugee programs,
and the Truman Doctrine

Nelson and Marian to Les Families4 mo 2 1947

Description of recent Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, discussion of interracial
children’s group, discussion of difficulties in case of 5 CO’s, mention of new 5
moor D’Alessandro

Nelson and Marian to folks4 mo 13 1947

Social activities with Jim Stanley (editor of World and ex-CPS man), Herman Dahl
and wife, and Peg Hartly, discussion of Nelson’s interview with Congressman Meade on
Truman Doctrine, general family news

Nelson and Marian to folks4 mo 28 1947

General family news and social activities, discussion of a traveling group that is
examining the Supreme Court Morgan Decision, discussion of racial elements of local
politics, recent FOR meeting

Nelson and Marian to folks4 mo 28 1947

Description of move to new apartment, mentions series of seminars with
international participation but notably no Russian Communist students, discussion of
why foreign students come to US and criticism of foreign policy

Nelson and Marian to folks5 mo 12 1947

General update, mentions lectures on Quaker History by Fred Tolles and Howard
Brinton

General family news and summary of Summer spent in Lakewood, CT, which included
seminars and lectures on international relations with international participants

Nelson and Marian to folks9 mo 7 1947

General update, brief discussion of China, mentions that Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson
are at FOR Conference

Nelson and Marian to folks9 mo 14 1947

General update

Nelson and Marian to Families9 mo 24 1947

Mentions international visitors (Ruth Oeschlin and Susanne Adlum) connected with
Friends World Committee and China missions, discusses imminent death of Marian’s
father

Nelson and Marian to Our Very Dear Families
Everywhere11 mo 17 1947

General update, mentions speech A Faith that is Adequate for
Modern Men by Norman Whitney, attendance at Ibsen play Brand, attendance at play Deep Are
the Roots and the racial controversy surrounding it

Nelson and Marian to folks11 mo 29 1947

General family news, discussion of Marian’s attendance at AFSC Institute on
Russian-American Relations

Death of Marian’s father, mention of German refugee who is student at Johns
Hopkins, attendance at anti-UMT rally at which Annalee Stewar (Secretary of the WIL)
spoke, discussion of Gilbert Kilpack’s lecture on Agape and Eros, receipt of
military duffle bags filled with clothes that were lost
by servicemen and will be used in clothing drive, discussion of income tax being
used for military purposes

Nelson and Marian to folks5 mo 12 1948

General update

Nelson and Marian to folks5 mo 30 1948

General family update, decision not to register if there’s another draft, some
discussion of future job plans

Nelson and Marian to folks6 mo 14 1948

Discussion of draft bill being sent through Congress, description of Summer plans
in San Cristobal Valley, Nelson’s attendance at Haverford scientist conference

Discussion of conference in Chicago, discussion of Berlin Art Exhibition at
National Gallery

Nelson and Marian to folksn.d. (ca 1945)

Fragment: brief mention of food relief work, attendance at meeting of American
Young Friends Fellowship, purchase of mechanical wind-up record player, discussion
of radios and batteries

Nelson and Marian to Everybodyn.d. (ca 1945)

Gives update on situation of 5 CO’s, discussion of situation in China particularly
in relation to family friend Sho Cheng, mentions Gandhi, mentions activities of
interracial children’s Art Club at Meeting House, quotes a letter from German
socialists

Nelson and Marian to Familiesn.d. (ca 1945)

Mentions Emily Simon’s work with WIL and FOR, discussion of recreation program and
Work Program, particularly racial aspect of them, at Friends Meeting House

Nelson and Marian to Ben and Daisy Leen.d. (ca 1945)

Short note arranging payment for butter, also exchange of milk

Nelson to ?n.d. (ca 1945)

Fragment: description of work and life at Sky Island refugee house, faculty stances
on war at Rutgers, includes hand-written note to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson

Nelson to ?n.d. (ca 1945)

Description of Jewish religious service and Rabbi Keller’s thoughts on anti-Jewish
feeling particularly in connection with book The Nazarene by Sholem Asch, includes
handwritten note to Bill Fuson

Mentions sending food package to French couple on list of AFSC members in need,
includes their names and address, brief mention of penicillin

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Leen.d. (ca 1945)

Discussion of feelings among men at camp

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Leen.d. (ca 1945)

Short note about family letters, repayment of loan, insurance

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Leen.d. (ca 1945)

Short note

Nelson to folks3 mo 25 [?]

Discussion of book A Liberal in Wartime by Walter Nelles, mention of seeing Gone with the Wind in theaters

Nelson to folks3 mo 31 [?]

General update from Rutgers, quote from Fran about
War

Marian to Helen Fusonn.d. (ca 1965)

Discussion of Helen and Bill’s problems with Richmond Friends, discussion of racial
atmosphere in Nashville and in particular its effects on sons Allan and Dan

Nelson and Marian to folksn.d. (ca 1965)

Life in France, mentions Fulbright scholars

Nelson to Bill and Helen Fusonn.d. (ca 1965)

General update

Nelson and Marian to family19521 folderNelson and Marian to folks2 mo 20 1952

Travels in France, sons’ school schedule, some description of Nelson’s work in lab,
attached: article featuring Nelson’s work at Fisk labs

Nelson and Marian to family19561 folder3

In September 1956, Nelson began a long leave from Fisk, primarily doing research at
the University of Bordeaux, France. At first planned as a year’s sabbatical, but later
extended.

Nelson and Marian to folks4 mo 21 1956

Life in France, reunions with Fisk colleagues

Nelson and Marian to Families9 mo 29 1956

Descriptions of final weeks in US and then settling in at Bordeaux for Nelson’s new
job at U. of Bordeaux

Nelson and Marian to folks10 mo 11 1956

Initial adjustments in Bordeaux, particularly of sons Allan and Dan to their French
schools, mention of NY Times article A Southern Negro’s View
of the South

Nelson and Marian to Families10 mo 21 1956

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to Darnell - Fusons all11 mo 4 1956

Life in France, description of Bordeaux, includes hand-written note from Marian to
Mother

Nelson and Marian to folks11 mo 18 1956

Life in France, impact of Suez canal crisis, includes hand-written note from Marian
to Mother

Nelson and Marian to folks11 mo 30 1956

Life in France, includes hand-written note from Marian to Mother

Nelson and Marian to folks12 mo 16 1956

(possibly fragment, or just unsigned) Life in France, includes hand-written note
from Marian to Mother, attached: schedule of events
Abre de Noel 1956

Nelson and Marian to folks12 mo 26 1956

Christmas season in France

Nelson and Marian to family19571 folder

Letters contain mostly family news, but in June Nelson attended France Yearly Meeting
at Centre in Paris. Small group but very involved in Quaker concerns and North Africa.
Later in the summer, the family traveled in Europe and attend German Yearly Meeting in
Eisenach, DDR, and visited the Tackes in Berlin. Nelson visited the U.S. in late
August while the rest of the family stayed in Birmingham, England. Nelson was invited
to stay an additional year as a visiting lecturer and research associate, paid by the
French Educational Ministry.

Nelson and Marian to folks1 mo 6 1957

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks1 mo 20 1957

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks2 mo 10 1957

Trip to Geneva, Switzerland

Nelson and Marian to folks2 mo 24 1957

More description of trip to Geneva and further description of life in France

Marian to Mrs. Howard C. Darnell3 mo 26 1957

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks3 mo 31 1957

Travels in France and controversies in physics dept. at Fisk leading to Nelson’s
resignation as Chairman

Marian to Mrs. Howard C. Darnell4 mo 20 1957

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks4 mo 28 1957

Travels in France

Nelson and Marian to folks6 mo 17 1957

Attendance at French Yearly Meeting

Nelson and Marian to folks7 mo 4 1957

Life in France, upcoming travel plans

Nelson and Marian to Bill Fuson and Family7 mo 27 1957

Postcard from Venice

Nelson and Marian to Families11 mo 23 1957

Life in France, comments on French women, French taxes and income, includes
hand-written letter to Bill and Helen Fuson

Teaching at University of Bordeaux; during summer goes to Vichy for treatment for the
jaundice that lingered since suffering from hepatitis. Mentions French Fellowship of
Reconciliation; comparison of American and European Quakerism. In August, Nelson
chaired an International Students Seminar at Ste.-Foy-la-Grande. In September, the
family traveled to Eastern Europe. Marian’s passport attracted interest because its
extension had first been cancelled because she refused to sign a non-communist
statement, but then re-validated because the Supreme Court had come down with a
decision that requiring a statement was unconstitutional. Nelson’s appointment was
renewed for another academic year.

Nelson and Marian to folks2 mo 23 1958

Life in France, mention of French Fellowship of Reconciliation, mention of FOR
members and activities

Nelson and Marian to Folks in the U.S.3 mo 9 1958

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to Families3 mo 24 1958

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks4 mo 6 1958

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks4 mo 27 1958

Discussions of differences between American and European Quakerism, reputation of
American Quakers abroad, translation work for FOR (2 COPIES)

Nelson and Marian to folks5 mo 17 1958

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks6 mo 2 1958

Life in France, attendance at French Yearly Meeting

Nelson and Marian to folks7 mo 12 1958

Life in France and description of Nelson’s professional activities, includes
hand-written note to “Ruen”

Nelson and Marian to folks7 mo 12 1958

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks7 mo 15 1958

Trip to Vichy

Nelson and Marian to folks8 mo 8 1958

Life in France

Marian to Mrs. Howard C. Darnell8 mo 26 1958

Short note

Nelson and Marian to folks9 mo 2 1958

Description of international seminar

Nelson and Marian to folks9 mo 2 1958

Comments on end of seminar at St.-Foy-la-Grande

Nelson and Marian to folks10 mo 7 1958

Description of seminar held at Ste-Foy-la-Grande, travels in France, Germany,
Czechoslovakia, and Austria

Nelson and Marian to folks10 mo 28 1958

Travels in France, discussion of Nelson’s lab work and students, includes
handwritten note from Marian to Mother

Nelson and Marian to folks10 mo 28 1958

Life in France

Nelson and Marian to folks11 mo 16 1958

Travels in France, includes hand-written note from Marian to Mother

Nelson and Marian to folks11 mo 16 1958

Life in France, includes handwritten note to Bill and Helen Fuson

Nelson and Marian to Family11 mo 30 1958

Travels in France, French elections and European politics

Nelson and Marian to Family11 mo 30 1958

Life in France, discussion of Czech politics

Nelson and Marian to folks12 mo 21 1958

Activities and travels in France, includes hand-written note from Marian to Mother

Nelson and Marian to folks12 mo 21 1958

Life and activities in France

Nelson and Marian to folks12 mo 31 1958

Travels in France (3 COPIES)

Nelson and Marian to Friends12 mo [?] 1958

Annual letter describing Nelson’s work with University of Bordeaux and family’s
life in France, travels in Europe, attendance at German Yearly Meeting, Marian’s
attendance at French Fellowship of Reconciliation Meeting, Nelson’s direction of
AFSC international seminar in France, some comments on US foreign policy and court
decision (school segregation and passport renewals based on past communism),
includes hand-written note from Marian to Mother,
attached: restaurant menu (2 COPIES)

Nelson and Marian to family1959 1mo-6mo1 folder3

Travels and life in France; attended Yearly Meeting. Plans to leave for the U.S. in
August.

General update, involvement in conferences and meetings about race relations

Nelson to Marian7 mo 1 1961

General update and travel plans

Nelson and Marian to folks7 mo 2 1961

General update, description of Race Relations Conference at Earlham College

Nelson and Marian to Bill and Helen Fuson7 mo 17 1961

Postcard

Nelson and Marian to folks7 mo 29 1961

General update, upcoming Fisk Infrared Institute

Nelson and Marian to folks9 mo 2 1961

General update, Nelson’s attendance at Fisk Infrared Institute and at meeting in
Denver about NSF Sponsored Physics Curriculum in colleges, Marian and boys’ visit to
AFSC work camp, racial events (freedom rides) in Nashville

Nelson and Marian to Families9 mo 24 1961

General update, description of meeting with 23 international students in
Nashville

Nelson and Marian to folks10 mo 8 1961

General update, Nelson’s involvement with Southern Christian Leadership Council
meeting

Nelson and Marian to folks10 mo 28 1961

General update, visit from German Spectroscopic and 16 German lawyers on State
Dept. tour, Marian’s attendance at Friends Conference on World Order

Nelson and Marian to Families11 mo 27 1961

General update, trial of students involved in sit-in, situation of women in
Greece

Nelson and Marian to Helen Fuson11 mo 29 1961

Discussion of housing and employment

Nelson and Marian to folks12 mo 17 1961

General update, attached: short note to Bill and Helen Fuson

Nelson and Marian to Friends12 mo ? 1961

Annual Christmas letter, description of life and work in Nashville, discussion of
sit-ins and general racial atmosphere

General update, attached: program of Nashville Community Forum on China

Nelson and Marian to family1965-19691 folder3Nelson and Marian to Families6 mo 17 1967

General update, description of Marian’s Oberlin reunion

Nelson and Marian to Friends12 mo 30 1969

Annual letter, describes activities of sons Allan and Dan, reflections on recent
trip to France, Nelson’s part-time job at Nashville University Center, Marian’s
activities, involvement with Society of Friends, includes page with four family
photos

Nelson and Marian to family1971-19741 folder3Nelson and Marian to Dave and Carol4 mo 23 1971

Plans for Dave and Carol’s Nashville visit, attached: 4 mo 19 letter to Nelson and
Marian from Dave and Carol about visit to Nashville

Nelson and Marian to folks? 1972?

General update, attendance at small war demonstration

Nelson and Marian to Bill and Helen Fuson7 mo 20 1972

Travels in Holland

Nelson and Marian to folks1 mo 15 1974

General update, VISTA meeting, includes hand-written note to Dave and Carol

Nelson and Marian to folks5 mo 11 1974

General update

Nelson and Marian to folks9 mo 19 1974

General update, attached: p.s. to Bill and Helen Fuson and Ben and Daisy Lee
Fuson

Description of visit to recently married Nelson and Marian Fuson, thoughts on
medical situation in China

Chester Fuson to Family5 mo 19 1939

Writes about Daisy Lee Fuson’s possible pregnancy

Chester Fuson to folks4 mo 27 1940

Life and work in China, mentioning of family’s activities in US, on back and on one
separate page is letter from Mrs. Chester G. Fuson with news of new
granddaughter

Chester Fuson to Folks at Home5 mo 7 1940

Description of life and work in China, brief discussion of war in Europe

Chester Fuson to Family7 mo 10 1945

General update from Pueblo, CO, mentions Phebe’s speech to Methodist Ladies on
“World Understanding and How to Spread It”

Chester Fuson to Dear Ones3 mo 27 1946

Discusses uncertain plans for after furlough in regards to China, shopping trips in
preparation for the year including purchase of plastic balls like Life
illustrated, mentions butter-oleo delivery

Chester Fuson to folks4 mo 5 1945

Praises movie I Saw a City and pans movie Road to Utopia, mentions book The
Niles by Ludwig, comments on removal of Chinese general Ho Ying Chin

Chester Fuson to Nelson8 mo 24 1939

Discusses Chinese stamps, political events particularly in Japan, includes
handwritten note on back from Phebe Fuson

Daisy Lee Fuson to Nelson1 mo 21 1943

Mentions speech that husband Ben gave at church, attached: letter from Stautonfusons to Robinites
typed on cut-off carbon copy of letter to China Folks and
all, discusses seeds, describes personality and daily activities of Yorkie

Phebe Fuson to Childrenn.d.

General update

Phebe Fuson to Near Ones5 mo 27 1940

Life and work in China, particularly with refugee school

Phebe Fuson to Family9 mo 23 1947

Writes from China, discusses situation of 18-year-old girl who is living with
author and husband because she is scared to live in her own house, although family
who is in process of buying back their 8-year-old daughter

Discusses birthday present of Chinese coat that author is sending to Marian,
apologies for not being able to attend wedding, hopes that Nelson won’t have to go
to China, attached: 5 mo 6 clipping of newspaper article about Rev. and Mrs. Chester
G. Fuson and their work in China

From Ben and Bill Fuson and other family members. Ca.1942-19611 folder4

Note: Additional correspondence from Bill, Helen, Ben included as responses in
previous series, Correspondence Sent. Also included is March 15, 1942, SRA newsletter published by Univ. of Michigan Student
Religious Association which describes changes on campus due to the War.

Describes trials of being conscientious objector and professor/student at
University of Illinois, discussion of FOR and CPS, discussion of various hardships
of being a C.O., includes hand-written annotations [by Fuson?]

Alfred C. Ames to Nelson Fuson11 mo 18 1942

Writes about his students’ experience with war

Mrs. C.J. Armentiout to Nelson Fuson1 mo 16 1943

Discusses gratitude to Fuson family for helping Lois,
author’s daughter

Authors are representing CPS Camp Lagro, hoping to establish contact with other
pacifist groups and encourage action similar to what is going on at Lagro, discusses
some of these actions and modes of operation in the camp

Curt Bondy to Nelson Fuson11 mo 14 1942

Request for information on social worker course

Lt. L.C. Brownwell to Nelson Fuson2 mo 27 1942

Discusses Fuson’s pacifism and general situation of Conscientious Objectors

Author is having trouble getting letters to her family during wartime, asks for
help from Fuson, attached: air mail envelope with address of Fung Hon Chen in
Kwongtung, China

Jeanette Chen to Nelson Fuson10 mo 13 1942

Thanks Fuson for sending letters on behalf of author to her family, requests that
Fuson send money to author’s brother, encourages Fuson to keep studying Mandarin so
that he 5 mo help in reconstruction of China after war

Manuel Costa to Nelson Fuson3 mo 31 1942

Author writes from Sky Island where he is doing air warden work and learning first
aid, alludes to conversation about “conflagration”, attached: folded material

Regrets missing Fuson’s visit to Ann Arbor as was in Chicago, mentions Fuson’s
separation from Frances Schiff and author’s own separation from Bill

Howard Elkinton to Nelson Fuson[9 mo?] 27 1942

Envelope says Oct 7 but letter says Sunday the 27th. Discusses recent Patapsco
situation, thoughts on current American situation as compared to early fascism,
organization of CPS, description of countryside

Mentions extension courses author is taking, commitment to re-paying Fuson,
attached: letter from Vic Goedicke mentioning lecture by Dr. P. Haile, includes note
at bottom from [Misha?] that Vic will be on the Yale radio

Carrington Goodrich to Nelson Fuson12 mo 3 1942

Tea invitation, attached: map with directions to Goodrich residence

Miriam Hall to Nelson Fuson5 mo 19 1942

Postcard requests that Fuson send a letter to Pat Woodward, hopes that author and
Fuson will meet in person sometime

Nat Hoffman to Nelson Fuson10 mo 31 1942

Postcard: Author regrets that he cannot put Fuson’s article in current issue of
[magazine], mentions author’s appeal to Department of Justice about
classification

Discusses Fuson’s meeting with Roland [Illick?], thoughts on life and faith,
advice

Virginia Kerlin to Nelson Fuson12 mo 17 1942

In response to submission to Brethren Service Committee of picture dealing with
bomb

Frederick E. Kidder to Nelson Fuson9 mo 6 1942

Description of work and living conditions while building hospital in Puerto
Rico

Hertha Kraus to Nelson Fuson11 mo 17 1942

Letter originally accompanied several copies of The Ethics of
Pacifism by Dr. Paul Weiss, asks Fuson if pamphlet would be valuable to
C.P.S. members and if a meeting can be arranged between author (of letter) and
C.P.S. members

John Lantis to Nelson Fuson10 mo 28 1942

Happenings at Camp Lagro, attached: receipt

Gilbert Q. LeSourd to Nelson Fuson3 mo 9 1942

Letter from the Friendship Press of the Missionary Education Movement of the United
States and Canada about catalogue of publications

Norman Levy to Nelson Fuson2 mo 11 1942

Description of a freshman med student’s life at
Tulane

Norman Levy to Nelson Fuson4 mo 23 1942

Observations on medical school and New Orleans

Mrs. Omar H. Lovejoy to Nelson Fuson12 mo 12 1942

Postcard: dinner invitation

Ruth E. MacAdam to Nelson Fuson1 mo 8 1943

Postcard with schedule of events for New York Youth Council of FOR

Harley F. MacNair to Nelson Fuson1 mo 5 1943

Postcard in response to request for article written by author on China

Fran [Marburg?] to Nelson Fuson11 mo 22 1942

Request for Fuson’s participation in CPS’s efforts to shape post-war political and economic scene

Eberhard Tacke was a German Quaker artist; in 1957, the Fusons attended German Yearly
Meeting in Berlin and stayed with the Tackes. Eberhard, his wife Käte, and their
children, Thomas and Angelika, maintained a correspondence with the Fusons. The
children were pen pals when young.

Tacke1957-19591 folder4

Eberhard Tacke was a German Quaker artist; he and his wife Käte and their children,
Thomas and Angelika, corresponded

Tacke 1960-19671 folder4

Eberhard Tacke was a German Quaker artist; he and his wife Käte and their children,
Thomas and Angelika, corresponded

Copies of letters sent to the Tackes from Marian and Nelson1957, 1966, n.d.1 folder4

The Tackes were displaced during WWII and imprisoned by the Allies in Austria. The
Fusons maintained a friendship with them and visited them in 1957. Included in Marian
Fuson’s explanation of their history.

Original etched note cards by Eberhard Tacken.d.1 folder4Album of photographs of Eberhard Tacke’s paintings, many on religious themes1951, n.d.1 folder4

Discussions of the tensions and possibilities of cooperation between the three peace
churches in operating CPS camps. In August, transferred to a detached unit, an experimental course at Columbia University on relief
administration postwar.

In Feb., Fuson selected to serve in CPS training for relief work in China, so
transferred to Lagro, IN. Includes description of relief work done at Goshen following
tornado on March 16, schedules, etc. Also text of talk Fuson gave at Pleasant Grove
Brethren School.

Salamonie Peace Pipe, Lagro, Camp #6Feb. 14, 1942-Sept. 19421 folder6

Camp newsletter. Includes updates of activities of China Unit. Fuson was an
editor.

Louis Whitaker Newsletter1942-19511 folder6

Newsletter of the CPS China Unit. Named in honor of Louis Whitaker who died while
doing relief work in China. The newsletter gives a history of the Unit, lists as
Nelson Fuson as historian, and became a “round robin” publication when the Unit was
dispersed. Fuson was an editor and contributor.

Detached service at Columbia University, Program of Training in International
Administration: General August -Dec. 19421 folder6

Beginning in August 1942, fifteen CPS men were detached from their units for a
year-long program in international administration at Columbia University. The program
emphasized post-war preparation of relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The COs
made up about 30% of the group which included other civilians; about half of the
attendees were naval officers. Fuson describes the program and its goals.

Class notes and typed summaries of lectures by military and civilian relief
administrators of 20th century relief after WWI, Japanese earthquake of 1923, occupied
France in 1941-42, and other situations.

Fuson prepared a draft for a Reconstruction Training Manual, based on his class notes
of the Sept-Dec. lectures. This was prematurely mimeographed and distributed before
editing. Correspondence with Andrew W. Cordier of Manchester College, Indiana,
concerning sharing course materials

Course notes from public health, medical lectures. Fuson was part of a “detached
unit” studying at Columbia University seminar on relief administration until early
April when he removed to Philadelphia to work with a new China Unit

Fuson wrote a article on the seminar for the Gospel Messenger, newsletter of the
Church of the Brethren, for its Jan. 9, 1943, issue

Finances, China UnitMay-August 19431 folder7

Accounting of finances. Fuson served as treasurer. In April, Fuson moved to
Philadelphia to work on a new China Unit sponsored by the AFSC in Philadelphia and was
living at Pendle Hill

Chicago Conference on Social ActionMarch-August 19431 folder7

“Conference on Social Action for Men in Civilian Public Service and other pacifists,”
scheduled April 12-18, 1943. Fuson was among the sponsors of a group of CPS men who
hoped to develop at plan for more effective and alternative pacifist action and
service. Major General Lewis B. Hershey placed a ban on CPS men attending the
conference, and it was delayed by a week. Fuson corresponded with the major planners
and proposed that it would be better to delay the conference until issues were
resolved, especially, freedom of the conscripted CPS men. Some men attended in
defiance of the ban.

AFSC relief organization, finances of China Unit. Seven COs started trip to China to
serve Friends Ambulance, but were recalled before they arrived because of the Stearns
rider.

China Unit #99, Chungking UnitJan-June 19431 folder7

Chungking project, forms, etc.

China Unit ReassignmentJune-Nov. 19431 folder7

Congress passed an appropriations bill which ended financing for CO education in
colleges and foreign service. Members of the China Unit were reassigned, Fuson to Big
Flats, N.Y.

CPS Correspondence1943, 1945-19461 folder7

Letters, etc., from other CPS men, topics are personal, camp, and opinions, such as
regarding postwar conscription. Letter Jan. 1, 1946, is from AFSC (Fred Tolles and Bob
Beach) asking CPS participants to help build an archive of materials

China Unit, informal training1944-19461 folder7

After the Congressional bill ending CO foreign service, the China Unit men were
returned to their camps, but continued to informally train in hopes of their eventual
service in China. Fuson corresponded with other COs and others about re-establishing
the program. The Brethren were interested in Sept. 1945.

China relief, memos 1944-19461 folder7

Mimeographed memos concerning various relief efforts in China

CPS #26, Big Flats, N.Y.1943-19441 folder7

Fuson was transferred to the Big Flats camp, a national park supervised by the AFSC.
Folder includes Aims and Standards approved at conference
on CPS at Pendle Hill, Nov. 1943. Correspondence discusses AFSC and the CPS and
dissatisfaction with the administration of CPS camps

News and Views, CPS #26 newsletter1943-19441 folder7

Newsletter of Jan. 12, 1944, notes that Big Flats had become a waiting place for
campers from discontinued CPS units such as the China Units and the Columbia
Reconstruction Unit.

CPS #94, Trenton, North DakotaMarch-April 19441 folder7

In late March 1944, Fuson transferred to Trenton, N.D., where an informal China Study
program was established for campers interested in service in Asia. Memo of 4/10/44
describes the Trenton camp.

China Needs by Nelson FusonMay 19441 folder7

Article by Fuson in The Compass: An Instrument of Direction published by men in
Civilian Public Service

In September, Fuson was notified that he was chosen for the Alexian program, but the
following month, he was elected to server as camper representative of the CPS camp at
Trenton, so he withdrew his name from consideration of the Alexian program and decided
to continue to volunteer on Trenton’s China unit.

CPS #94, Trenton, North DakotaMay-Nov. 19441 folder8

Fuson’s stay at Trenton was the longest of any of his tours; the camp’s project was
to work with Farm Security Administration on an irrigation and land stabilization
program. In his spare time, he taught Chinese language classes. By Nov. 1944 had come
to question CPS service which was unpaid and conscripted. Very much against proposal
to have peacetime military conscription.

In April 1944, Fuson was approached to join a project under the Office of Scientific
Research and Development. Fuson was hoping the congressional ban on foreign service
would be lifted. When the ban was continued, Fuson was available for either the
Alexian Hospital project or the OSRD. His transfer from Trenton to Ann Arbor came
through in January 1945.

China Trainees Newsletter, No. 1-2 19451 folder8

Newsletter for CPS men interested in Chinese relief work, gives summary of the
interested people and proposed volunteer programs. Fuson already at Ann Arbor, no one
at Trenton to replace him as teacher.

CPS Cookery [Powellsville, Md.}19431 folder8

This mimeographed booklet is the outgrowth of the first Friends Cooking School, held
in the Civilian Public Service Camp, Powellsville, Maryland, 1943.

School of Non-Violence program at CPS Camp #52, Powellsville, MD19441 folder8

Announcements, etc.

Information: A Weekly News Service of Friends Civilian Public Service19441 folder8

In 1991, Fuson testified against a proposal to move a plutonium-trigger plant from
Rocky Flats, Colorado to Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Miscellaneous1909-n.d.1 folder9

Includes letter from College of Emporia, Kansas, to Miss Olina Meeker, reporting
Nelson and Ben Fuson’s grade point averages, 1931; wedding announcement for Chester
and Phebe Fuson, 1909; photographs of Phebe and Chester Meeker, and a color snapshot
of Nelson and Marian with Solly (Howard Sollenberger)